What Red Oak A-1 Ply should look like?

[Craig D Peltier]

I bought 10 sheets today A-1 armor-core 3/4 for $68 a sheet. One side perfect , has that red oak look, other side in the cathedrals it has dark areas on every sheet. is this common? I dont work with Oak at all.

Thanks

[Howard Acheson]

Yes, what you got sounds exactly like A-1 hardwood plywood.

[Mike Heidrick]

Have pictures?

We have a Menards around here that has red oak ply that matches red oak cut in Indiana perfectly. About $46-$53 per 3/4" sheet.

[Joe Chritz]

Here is a list of ANSI grading for the A face of that plywood. I couldn't find the off face and lunch is about over but I expect that 1 face would probably qualify for B grade so it sounds like you got exactly what it says it was.

To get good both sides you need to pic carefully or likely special order something custom laid up.

Joe

http://www.hoganhardwoods.com/hogan/pages/technical/technical_03/plywoodgrades_04.htm

ETA: I take that back. Here is grades for back faces, note the note on the bottom about ordering custom sheets for good both sides.

http://www.hoganhardwoods.com/hogan/pages/technical/Technical_03/plywoodgrades_07.htm

[Peter Quinn]

I think there are architectural grades above A-1, maybe AA, that present two perfect faces, but I don't think that expectation is met by A-1 grading standards. Sounds like what you received looks like most A-1 plywood I have seen.

[Frank Drew]

What's armor-core plywood?

[Joe Chritz]

Armor-core is essentially MDO with a hardboard or MDF outer layer. Add veneer on both sides (which is what it was designed for) and you have Armor-core plywood.

There is an AA grade face and I expect some companies may offer plywood that is good on both faces but I have never seen it as a regular item.

Joe

[Craig D Peltier]

Thanks, This helps. I didnt know at some places you could order AA. Just for iknowledge I will attach a pic later this morning.

I have a love hate with Armor Core. On the love its flat. On the hate when screwing into it and then taking the screw out it pulls out MDF hair and leaves a raised bump.

[Frank Drew]

Thanks, Joe; it isn't something I've ever run across.